Why hire a professional genealogist?
Family history research can rewarding, however, there may come a time when you have hit a brick wall, have exhausted all of your genealogy leads, or simply just don’t have the time. In these situations and a list of others, it may be time to consider reaching out to a professional to help you with your research.
If you are new to genealogy, your family tree doesn’t create itself when you log into a website. Genealogy isn’t just birth, marriage, and death records either! That’s where I can come in to help demystify it for you.
Professional genealogists are known to have expertise and experience that hobby genealogists may not have. They also may have access to, or know where to find, other records to help you with family research.
How to hire a professional genealogist:
Hiring a professional genealogist can be a bit scary (I’ve been there). Just like hiring other professionals, you want someone who knows what they are doing and is an expert, has great customer service skills, is willing to be flexible, and is efficient.
For more information on how to hire a professional genealogist, consider reading this article from the Association of Professional Genealogists (of which I am an active member).
How do we get started? What is the process?
Are you ready to jump in? If so, there are a few things you will need to do to get this process started. And don’t worry – I will help you along the way.
Complete the contact form and send me a bit about what you are trying to accomplish with your research or any questions you may have. If you prefer, you can email me directly or call.
I’ll make contact with you to set up a 30 minute free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your project, questions you have, and discuss what you already know about your family. This initial consultation will help me refine your objectives and determine if we should move ahead with the project. I’ll also take some time to talk through the rest of the process and answer any questions you may have. The consultation can be over the phone or Zoom video conferencing.
Please keep in mind you will need to send me copies of relevant documentation you may have and any previous research that has already been completed related to your project. I will need these documents to understand what research has already been done and then develop a detailed research plan. We want to avoid duplication of efforts and any rework.
Note: I do not do overseas or DNA research. Additionally, I do not create decorative family trees.
How much will research cost and when will I need to pay?
I provide genealogy research at a very reasonable rate of $35/hour.
Prior to even starting the project, I will provide you with an estimate to the best of my abilities and any further research will need to be authorized by you.
Incidental costs such as copies, document fees, mileage will be charged separately from the hourly fee. I’ll have a contract for you to review and sign to make sure we are both on the same page prior to any research starting.
I require a down payment at the time of contract, and the remainder of the cost will need to be paid to me prior to you receiving the final research report.